Mini Guide to Spain
Spain is not just about beaches, it is a country of variety and contrast. The Costa Blanca provides easy access to fast motorways and high speed rail links to the whole of the peninsula it you want to explore its rich heritage and culture.
English is spoken all over Spain, but the Spanish people will be delighted to hear you try and speak to them in their own language.
If you live in Spain (i.e. for more than 6 months) you will need to register an official residence. If you work in Spain you are advised to obtain a contract of employment from your employer.
By definition, in Spain a tourist is someone who spends less than 6 months there in one year. The ‘tourist’ stay in Spain is limited to 90 days.
After this 90-day period you need to request a Permanencia, this will extend your stay for a further period of 90 days. This Permanencia is only granted once per year.
The Spanish National Health Service provides free medical treatment to all citizens. If you are visiting Spain an E111 form entitles you to free treatment. This form can be obtained from your Post Office and must be completed by you and stamped by the Post Office.
Spain has one of the most modern health systems in Europe. It is financed via a tax system that enables patients to receive free care. Most doctors work in a team practice in walk-in centres.
All public hospitals provide emergency services on a 24-hour basis.
In Spain the chemist is known as the ‘Farmacia’ and is recognisable by a green flashing cross either in the window or displayed outside the shop. Prescriptions are required for most drugs, although some medication is available over-the-counter.
Most farmacias do not open 24 hours. They operate on a rota system, with the rota being displayed on the shop window or in the local paper.
If you need dental treatment in Spain you will have to pay, as all dentists are private. You will find their telephone numbers in the yellow pages of the directory, or in some cases advertised in the local newspaper.
Tap water in built-up areas is now safe to drink, due to great improvements in the Spanish water system over recent years. However, you may prefer to buy bottled mineral water. ‘Agua con gas’ is fizzy water, and ‘agua sin gas’ is still water.
Inputed income tax is an annual tax on an imaginary income resulting by virtue of ownership of a property, this is charged as 0.5% of the catastral (Land Registry) value. However, if you are a resident of Spain you will not be charged this on your principal home.
If you sell your property you will be charged capital gains tax on any profit that you have made.
If you live in Spain permanently you will be liable to income tax on your worldwide income. International double taxation conventions are recognised in Spain, therefore you will only pay income tax on earnings and investments once.
Spanish inheritance tax and inheritance laws are complex, therefore we strongly advise you to make a Spanish will and consult a local solicitor.